Chaz Ebert to Participate in Two Upcoming Public Library Events | Chaz’s diary

I’m absolutely thrilled to be participating in events for two public libraries this week.

Tonight, Tuesday, October 21, the Chicago Public Library Foundation celebrates storytelling at its annual awards gala. Pulitzer Prize and National Book Award-winning author Percival Everett will receive the Carl Sandburg Literary Prize; Poet José Olivarez will receive the 21st Century Prize, and the Civic Prize will go to Mary Dempsey, the innovative former curator of the Chicago Public Library. It’s an event that should be on everyone’s calendar at least once. Chicago has such a rich, deep and varied literary tradition.

The reception will be preceded by a parade of 50 Chicago authors, and I’m happy to say that this year I’m part of the parade. My book, “It’s Time to Give a FECK: Uplifting Humanity Through Forgiveness, Empathy, Compassion, and Kindness” became an independent bestseller. And on April 4, 2026, Chicago will host the first FECK Awards ceremony to highlight people who respect these principles.

On Thursday, October 23, I will be the keynote speaker at the Cleveland Public Library’s Golden Gala. The Gala celebrates the library’s commitment to literacy, community engagement and cultural enrichment.

The “Golden” signifies that learning is a lifelong pursuit. The event also highlights the opportunity to empower older citizens through technology and digital literacy. As my late mother, Mrs. Johnnie Mae Hammel, told me, “Honey, age is nothing but a number.